Report Littering and Dumping

It is really amazing to witness someone littering. While we know that someone must be doing it, it’s still shocking to actually see it happen. And, it’s also hard to know quite what to do.

Putting a stop to littering and dumping will require help from Shoals citizens. You can make a difference – by setting an example and by reporting littering and dumping when you see it.

If you are near the person, you could simply say, “Excuse me, I think you dropped something.” And direct them to the nearest trash can.

If you are driving, and witness someone throw something or litter coming from an unsecured truck-bed, here’s what you can do:

Get their tag number

Note the location and time of the incident.

Call the local police department as soon as possible. Local numbers are listed below.

Florence Police DepartmentPhone: (256) 760-6500

Sheffield Police DepartmentPhone: (256) 383-1771

Colbert County – Sheriff’s OfficePhone: (256) 383-0741

Muscle Shoals Police DepartmentPhone: (256) 383-6746

Tuscumbia Police DepartmentPhone: (256) 383-3121

Lauderdale County – Sheriff’s OfficePhone: (256) 760-5757

It’s always a good idea to have local police telephone numbers programmed into your cell phone, and you can use that information to report the incident immediately.

Littering is a crime. Fines and other punitive measures vary by local municipality. Litterers face fines ranging from $250-$500, and/or 30-60 days in jail. Convicted litterers can also be order to clean up a littered area in the community.

Litter laws can be enforced on both public and private property.

If you are aware of an illegal dump site, and/or witness someone dumping, especially hazardous materials, contact one of the following offices immediately, depending on the location:

Remember, you can make a difference! Please report illegal trash dump sites as early as possible. Once uncaring people see trash “dumped” in one particular area, they tend to start bringing their trash to the same site.